The Habit of Blessing
Deuteronomy 8:10-14
Series:Sitting at the Feet of the Rabbi # 7
What if there were a way to feel God's presence more nearly? Believe it or not, there is an ancient practice that dates from Jesus' time. It is one that can greatly enrich our lives today. It is the practice of blessing.
As far back as Moses, we see a Biblical principle of blessing the Lord:
"When you have eaten and are satisfied, you shall bless the LORD your God for the good land which He has given you. 11"Beware that you do not forget the LORD your God by not keeping His commandments and His ordinances and His statutes which I am commanding you today; 12 otherwise, when you have eaten and are satisfied, and have built good houses and lived in them, 13 and when your herds and your flocks multiply, and your silver and gold multiply, and all that you have multiplies, 14 then your heart will become proud and you will forget the LORD your God" (Deuteronomy 8:10-14, NASB).
I. The Prayer of Blessing.
A. The Jewish people developed a tradition of offering short prayers of blessing to remind themselves of God all day.
1. David said in Psalm 103:1-5:
"Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And all that is within me, bless His holy name.
2 Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And forget none of His benefits;
3 Who pardons all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases;
4 Who redeems your life from the pit,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion;
5 Who satisfies your years with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle."B. To bless God is to "praise" him (see NIV), to acknowledge him as the source of all blessing.
1. Beattitudes:
"Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 "Blessed are you when people insult you
II. Saturating Life in Prayer
A. Today the first words on the lips of Jews might be: "I am grateful before You, living and eternal King, for returning my soul to me with compassion. You are faithful beyond measure."
B. Even in times of grief, when someone dies or upon hearing tragic news, Jewish people bless God.
C. The Shema says we are supposed to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.
III. Blessings in the Gospels
A. Before feeding five thousand hungry people, Jesus "blessed and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples" (Matt. 14:19 NKJV).
B. After Jesus healed the paralytic (Matt. 9:8), people "praised God, who had given such authority to human beings."
C. In Luke 17:12-19, Jesus healed ten lepers, but only one of them, a Samaritan, came back and "blessed" the Lord in a loud voice.
D. The apostle Paul alludes to this "blessing" tradition as well.
1. Eph. 5:20 - "always [be] giving thanks to God the Father for everything."
2. Col. 3:17 - "And whatever you do ... do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
3. I Thess 5:17-18 - "pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances."
Blessings change your attitude. This tradition of blessing God is one that takes a "glass half full" approach to life. What a great way to avoid negativity and ingratitude, opening our eyes to God's provision.